How to Get Coverage With Job But Low Income?
1) no income in 2013..2) incarcerated most of 2014 and 3) got a job in February 2015 and was paying on insurance waiting for my probation period with the job to be over to start insurance- but got laid off. 4) got a new job starting April 5- doesn’t offer insurance and doesn’t pay good enough to buy insurance and I still have a bunch of fines and restitution I am paying.
also got hurt on a part time job in January- they didn’t carry workman’s comp so I was told I have to pay for it. Hospital is telling me I have to pay it and a fine for no insurance.
My aunt has been trying to help me navigate this insurance stuff and truthfully it is impossible to understand. I have not filed a tax return in years because no income…. so am I going to have a fine for no insurance or do I have what it takes as an “exception”????
I have some medical issues that were last treated when I was incarcerated- which include depression, psychosis and seizures. I need insurance so I can go see a doctor asap but ….
I cannot figure out how to do all this…. can you tell me how to do this in normal, easy to understand directions?
Answer
If you project to make between 100% - 400% of the Federal Poverty Level and you can get cost assistance, less and you may get ObamaCare Medicaid Expansion depending on your state. In states that didn't expand Medicaid those making under 100% of the Federal Poverty Level have less options. In your situation you may be able to get added to a family plan or get individual coverage on the Marketplace (you have 60 days from the day you lost your last coverage to move to a Marketplace plan or to a family plan if that is an option via special enrollment).
Generally, the rule of thumb is to call HealthCare.Gov and explain your situation. You don't need to have filed taxes to project income (it helps, but isn't the rule) you just have to attest to income you project to make. Medicaid is simple if you qualify, Marketplace coverage can be a little more tricky. But on-phone and in-person assistance can help.
Keep in mind: 1) The longer you wait, the harder it will be to qualify for coverage 2) If you do get access to cost assistance get a "silver plan", these typically offer good coverage and great cost assistance options that can lower out-of-pocket costs during the year based on income.
Call to start or finish an application, compare plans, enroll or ask a question.
1-800-318-2596 / TTY: 1-855-889-4325
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Closed Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
Find Local Help through people and organizations in your community who can help you apply, enroll, and answer your questions.
Another good option is to contact 211.org. Literally you can dial 211 on your phone and get help with any social service questions. It's a help-line for situations just like this. Try the above steps first, and whatever you do the sooner you act the better.